C A R L B. G A R N E R

'SWIFTLY WE'RE TURNING'

You may not like what I have to say today. In fact, the subject about which I must write is not a favorite of mine, either. But, at the end of the year it is imperative that we, both individually and collectively, examine our use of the time and opportunities granted us during these last twelve months. We are familiar with the song that begins with the title words, "Swiftly we're turning, life's daily pages; Swiftly the hours are changing to years...." As we grow older, the pages do seem to turn much more swiftly, and Job's words become more meaningful and more thought provoking: "My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle," Job 7:6.

Our subject is not the aging of any one of us. Neither is it the swiftness with which the years are passing. It is this: Have we been faithful stewards of the time given us this year? Even secular thinkers see the importance of the proper use of time. Many of us were required as students to memorize the words of Benjamin Franklin on this subject:
Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.
Of all people, Christians should consider the value of time and then use it wisely. Paul wrote, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil," Ephesians 5:15-16. The key words are redeeming and circumspectly. To redeem demands a "wise and sacred use of each opportunity to do good." Circumspectly describes one who is "watchful, exact and diligent." We must use each and every opportunity wisely. Remember: Opportunity + Capability = Responsibility.

RECREATION IS NOT WRONG
At this point I want to remind us that the proper use of our time will not negate the value of adequate rest and recreation. Jesus knew that men often need to "charge" their spiritual battery, and Mark records the time when Jesus took His apostles "apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat," Mark 6:31. In Mark 7:24 we read that Jesus, having little time to rest, "Went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it." Unfortunately, the verse ends with the words, "He could not be hid."

God gave the sabbath law as a day for man to rest. "Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed," Exodus 23:12. Rest. Refreshed. Yes, God knows our bodies and our minds need rest and "re-creation." God knows. This, however, is no excuse for one who carelessly wastes time and opportunities to serve the Lord. His attitude is stated in 1 Corinthians 4:2, "It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." The one talent man wasted his talent, Matthew 25:14-30, and was unfaithful in his stewardship: "Thou wicked and slothful servant......Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury." He had the responsibility, but he wasted it. He was, therefore, an unfaithful steward. Is this not the real question I must ask myself: "What kind of steward am I?" A steward is one who is given the responsible charge of the goods and well-being of his/her master. What would you do if you had a steward whose loyalty is like yours? Would you dismiss him? Or would you consider him faithful?

EXCUSES DO NOT CHANGE FACTS
Though we are all involved in a stewardship to Jehovah, many are in the habit of making excuses and do not fulfill their responsibilities.
"I'm too busy."
"No one asked me to do anything."
"I'm doing more than most people."
"I'm getting older; why don't you just get somebody else."
"It won't do any good."
"I lead singing [or prayer, or wait on the table, or mow the grass]; somebody else can do the visiting."

Horace Mann once wrote:
Lost, yesterday, somewhere between sunrise and sunset, two golden hours, each set with sixty diamond minutes. No reward is offered, for they are gone forever.

Time that is wasted is gone, and it cannot be regained. Begin today by trying these suggestions for the future use of your time:
€ First, determine that you will use your time and opportunities wisely.
€ Make a priority list; decide what activities are most important; then use your time accordingly.
€ Learn how to use whatever leisure time you have so that you really are rested and refreshed.
€ Examine objectively your past opportunities to speak to others about Christ and His church.
€ Don't clog your mind with worry and doubt; do the best you can, and then let God take care of the rest.
€ Think of responsibility, not as a tiresome chore, but a possible way of helping someone who needs you.

The chorus of the aforementioned song gently reminds us, "Into our hands the gospel is given...Haste let us carry God's precious message, guiding the erring back to the right."

Why not determine that you will be a faithful steward of your time in the year to come. All our souls are at risk!